NewsMorocco will ban frozen sardine exports starting Feb. 1 to protect domestic supply and prices. Sardine landings fell 46% between 2022 and 2024 due to stock depletion and overfishing. Morocco will ban exports of frozen sardines starting Feb. 1, Secretary of State for Maritime Fisheries Zakia Driouich said on Monday, Jan. 5. Morocco remains the world’s leading producer and exporter of canned sardines, shipping nearly 15,000 tons to markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The group also urged authorities to ban the capture of juvenile fish and enforce biological rest periods to ensure stock sustainability.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 08, 2026 08:49 UTC